Australian cricket Captain Michael Clarke is confident his team is undergoing the right preparation ahead of next month's Ashes Series start in Brisbane.

While Australia's Ashes build-up has been heavily criticised, the team playing a one-day series in India while rivals England acclimatise to conditions in Perth, Clarke is confident his players are getting the best possible preparation.

The 32-year-old is comfortable with the underdog tag heading into the Test series against England.

"It's about making sure we are all as well prepared as we can be and we play our best cricket," Clarke said.

"I am confident if we can do those two things, we can win the series."

Clarke will undergo a fitness test on his troublesome back injury this afternoon before deciding whether to play for New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield this week.

"If I can get through this afternoon's session, then I'm as keen as mustard to get back out on the pitch," he said.

"But I need to be honest and realistic. I don't want to let New South Wales down so if I can perform at my best I am more than happy to take the field."

Clarke would be happy to see Bailey in Test side

The Australian skipper said he would love to see his ODI team deputy George Bailey get his opportunity in the Test team this summer.

Clarke said the fight for the vacant number six batting position to face England will come down to performances, with Bailey among the contenders after excelling in India while captaining Australia's limited overs team on the current tour.

The skipper said Bailey would have his support if selectors decided to go that way.

"I think Bailes has done an exceptional job in the last couple of years in the shorter formats and he's leading the boys really well," Clarke said.

"I'd love to see him get his opportunity in the Test team.

"It's obviously going to come down to performance and who selectors think the right man is for that position but I've always enjoyed playing alongside Bailes.

"He's a great fella and if they select him I'll be extremely happy."

Other contenders for the number six batting spot will have an opportunity to impress selectors when representing Australia A against England in Hobart next week.

Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Alex Doolan and Callum Ferguson are among the batsmen picked for the pre-Ashes showdown, in a side captained by New South Wales all-rounder Moises Henriques.